Currently Swidget is only available in white. But as the product line grows, we are planning to release the Swidget Outlet and Inserts in additional colors. Send us a notewith your color preferences and we’ll be happy to add them to the list!

How does Swidget work?

Swidget is actually two devices – the Outlet and Insert. The Swidget Outlet is the main electrical connection to your home’s wiring (120VAC). Within the Swidget Outlet are all the common elements used in most smart home applications – power control, power monitoring, and low voltage conversion. By itself, the Swidget Outlet works just like a normal electrical outlet.

All of the “smarts” and functions are provided by the Insert, which has access to all of the Outlet resources. The Swidget Insert is a snap-in, removable module that you install (no need for any tools or wiring expertise). You pick the Swidget Insert that has the function (Nightlight, USB Charger, Video Camera, etc.) and connectivity (Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, ZigBee, etc.) you want, and install it — that’s it.

When will Swidget be available?

The Swidget Outlet and initial Inserts are available now for pre-order in the Swidget Shop. We expect Swidget will be available on Amazon by March 2019. Check out our Shop to see what’s available today and in the future.

Where can I buy the Swidget Outlet and Inserts?

The Swidget Outlet and initial Inserts are available for pre-order in the Swidget Shop. They will also be available for sale on Amazon as soon as March 2019.

What types of Inserts are available?

The active list of Inserts is constantly growing. You can see all available Inserts in the Shop. Since Swidget is also a development platform, the list of Insert types is ever-expanding. Whether being developed by us, our Partners, or the community at large – frequent new Insert releases can be expected. If you’re interested in becoming a developer, check out our Development Kit!

With what other platforms could Swidget work?

All smart home platforms. Each platform will have dedicated Swidget Inserts. For example, you could have a Wireless Outlet Control Insert that is available in Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or ZigBee formats. Within the larger Wi-Fi platform, Inserts work with Google Assistant , or Apple HomeKit. Since platform compatibility is specific to the Swidget Insert, the Outlet doesn’t care about networking or ecosystems. Simply replacing the Insert will keep you up-to-date with the newest technology and emerging smart home platforms.

With what wireless technologies does Swidget work?

Currently, we have developed both Wi-Fi and Z-Wave Control Inserts. Others will be developed (internally, and with our Partners) in the near term. Because the “smarts” (and connectivity) is associated with the Insert, as we continue to develop Inserts going forward, we will not be limited to specific wireless/or platform technologies. This allows Swidget to evolve with changing technologies and ecosystems now and in the future.

What is the voltage and current rating of the Swidget Outlet?

Swidget is compatible with North American line voltages and carries the same ratings as a standard wall outlet: 120VAC 15Amps.

How energy efficient is Swidget?

We are committed to reducing energy waste. The Swidget Outlet has been designed to exceed “green” requirements for operation. The newly issued Energy Independent Security Act (EISA), Level VI, requires devices to consume less than 0.1W when not in operation, and to have a conversion efficiency of greater than 78%. Swidget uses only one tenth of that power when not in use (0.01W) and has an impressive AC/DC conversion efficiency greater than 81%.

Do I need to shut off power each time I replace an Insert?

No. The Swidget Insert and Outlet are designed such that there are no unsafe voltages accessible to the user. This remains true even when no Insert is present in the Outlet. The Swidget Outlet, properly installed in a wall, is basically as harmless as your existing wall plug USB charger. With tamper-resist shutter in the AC sockets, it also means that this Outlet is child-friendly. However, if you are installing the Swidget Outlet itself, then yes, you should shut off the power supply.

In what countries will Swidget be available?

To start, Swidget will only be available in the US and Canada. But as demand grows, we hope to expand our footprint too.

What happens when technology changes?

As new technology is developed, you can replace your Insert by removing the old one and replacing it with the new one. No re-wiring, no replacing the Outlet, no need to turn off power to the Outlet, and no need to pay for an unnecessary power supply that would come with an external device.

What is the regulatory status of the Swidget Outlet?

The Swidget Outlet and Inserts have been certified by ETL (compatible with UL and CSA). The Inserts are also certified by FCC and Z-Wave Alliance.

Installation

How long does the installation take?

If you’ve changed an outlet in the past, installation should take no more than a few minutes. If you’re new to this, we suggest you watch the video, after which the installation should only take you a few minutes.

Do I need special tools to install Swidget?

No. For removal of the old outlet, all you need is a screw driver. You’ll remove the face plate and loosen the wiring screws on the outlet being removed. Depending on the style of outlet you currently have, you may also need needle-nose plyers to take the wires off the wiring screws.

For installation of the Swidget Outlet, line and neutral wires are connected to the corresponding device wires by hand, using twist marettes. The bare ground wire is connected to the green screw terminal with a slot screw driver. The face plate is installed with the same slot screw driver. Depending on the condition and length of the previously removed wires, you may need to straighten and/or trim these with the needle-nose plyers. You can see all of this in action in our installation video.

Our first answer is to replace all of them! But from a practical standpoint, it might be easier to replace outlets as you need them. Generally, there are at minimum one or two locations in each room that could benefit from Swidget. Think family room, kitchen, bathrooms, hallway and bedrooms to start.

If you are building a new home, the decision to install Swidget in all locations is much easier — you simply won’t need to worry about your smart home setup until after you’ve moved in and can see where your furniture ends up.

Is the Swidget available as a GFCI outlet?

No. Currently, the internal resources required for Swidget functionality do not leave enough space in the outlet to accommodate GFCI functionality. We can’t (yet) fit them both into the outlet, but we are working on it! You can, however, achieve GFCI at the breaker level.

Can I install an Insert upside down?

No. The Swidget Inserts and Outlet are keyed to prevent the Insert from installing improperly in the Outlet. Do not attempt to force an Insert if it does not snap in easily, it likely means it’s not right-side up.

Insert Development

What resources are already built into the Swidget Outlet?

The Swidget Outlet contains the resources that are common to most smart home applications – meaning these do not need to be replicated for device after device. These include a full 5V 2A AC/DC converter; a latching relay to control one receptacle that can support 15A loads and up to 1.5HP motors; and independent current monitors for each of the receptacles.

Can I repackage my existing product for use with the Swidget platform?

We hope so! With a little rework of your existing design, you may very well be able to fit your device within the envelope of the Insert. Remember, you no longer have to worry about bulky AC/DC conversion, or power relays, as these resources are already provided for you by the Swidget Outlet. Interested in developing an insert? Send us a message.

What is the Swidget Insert Development Kit?

The Development Kit is a complete Swidget outlet simulation interface system designed to allow you to easily connect Swidget to external prototype boards. Additionally, the kit also contains identical interface connections (mechanical and electrical) to allow you to test your prototypes. To help you with testing on the actual Outlet, the kit also contains Blank Test Inserts that contain an interface compliant circuit board and external plastic housing. Basically, everything you need – and then some! Check out the details of what is included in each kit here.

Where can I get the Development Kit or replacement parts?

The full Development Kit and all available replacement parts are available right here on the website. Reserve your kit now by emailing us!

Where can I find technical documents for the Swidget Inserts?

All technical design documents for the Swidget Inserts are included with each Development Kit. By registering your development kit, you will receive email updates of all design documents. You can find other technical documents, like instructions for each of the products in the Resources section on the My Account page.

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